Nakvak Brook Treknakvak Multi-Day Hikingroute Tornga T Moun Ains Na Tional Park 64°10'0"W 440000M.E

A. Boudreau, Parks Canada parkscanada.gc.ca Nakvak Brook TrekNakvak Multi-Day HikingRoute Tornga t Moun ains Na tional Park 64°10'0"W 440000m.E. 64°0'0"W 5 63°50'0"W 6 63°40'0"W 7 63°30'0"W 8 63°20'0"W 9 63°10'0"W 63°0'0"W 62°50'0"W 1 62°40'0"W 520000m.E.

Ungava Nakvak Brook Trek Bay Labrador Sea Start and Finish Route

Notable Campsite Torngat Mountains National Park Boundary 0000m.N. 0000m.N. 3 3 Parc national Mount Caubvick Torngat Airstrip 65 65 Kuururjuaq Boundary (d'lberville) Mountains 1,652m Mountain Provincial Boundary National Park of ay N h B Canada Rama 0 5 10 km N U N A V I K (Q U E B E C) 58°50'0"N 58°50'0"N 2 2

Parc national Parc national Saglek Kuururjuaq Kuururjuaq airstrip

Base camp Torngat Mountains N U N A T S I A V U T Koroc River National Park of Canada (L A B R A D O R) 1 1 t s Gu Korok Bear Mountain 1,204m Labrado r Sea 58°40'0"N Nakvak 58°40'0"N Br NUNATSIAVUT

0 o ok (LABRADOR) 0

335m

y a B k le Mount g 9 N a 9 Qarqaaluk o S 1,042m r t h

A

r m NUNAVIK 58°30'0"N hw out est A S r 58°30'0"N (QUEBEC) m S agle k Fiord Saglek 8 airstrip 8 d r o i t Torngat Mountains F e k l Base camp and o n t I k Research Station u k j o g t er U g n a P 0000m.N. 7 0000m.N. 7 64 64 440000m.E. 64°0'0"W 5 63°50'0"W 6 63°40'0"W 7 63°30'0"W 8 63°20'0"W 9 63°10'0"W 63°0'0"W 62°50'0"W 1 62°40'0"W 520000m.E. Route Summary

Nakvak Brook Trek

Type of hike Moderate multi-day hike

What do I need to know to hike Distance Approximately 68 km / 42 miles

the Nakvak Brook trek? Time required Allow 5 to 6 days A. Boudreau, Parks Canada Parks Boudreau, A. Elevation gain 335 metres (1000 feet) View of Nakvak Brook near its mouth in Saglek Fiord

Visitor contact TORNGAT mountains Point of departure* The mouth of Nakvak Brook in Registration information base camp and Saglek Fiord (Pitukkik) Hiking parties who are interested Torngat Mountains National Park research station (20 V 482855 E 6484218 N) in tackling this hiking route will Phone: 1-888-922-1290 This camp is situated in St. John’s Route access 1. By boat from Nain (NL) need to register (before their visit) Email: [email protected] Harbour in Saglek Bay. It presently (approximately 3 days) with Torngat Mountains National operates from mid-July until early 2. By boat from base camp (3 hours) Park (Parks Canada) as well as Parc Parc national Kuururjuaq September. The base camp can 3. By helicopter from national Kuururjuaq (Nunavik Parks) Phone: 1-819-337-5454 provide support for visitor parties base camp (15 minutes) since the route passes through both Email: [email protected] wanting to travel into Torngat 4. By helicopter from Nain (NL) parks. Visitors are also required to Mountains National Park. Bear or Kuujjuaq (QC) de-register after they have departed Guards, Inuit Guides, a helicopter, (approximately 1.5 hours) from either of these parks to ensure speed boats and longliners (fishing * Note that hiking parties could also be dropped off by that staff know they have left the boats) are generally available for helicopter in the Mount Haywood area (located in Parc parks and have been accounted for. local charter. Arrangements can national Kuururjuaq in Quebec) and hike the entire route also be made for fixed wing access in the opposite direction to the mouth of Nakvak Brook in Saglek Fiord. to the Saglek Airstrip (20V 519721 E 6482002 N) from Goose Bay, NL. Please contact the Nunatsiavut Group of Companies by phone (1-855-TORNGAT ext. 26) or email ([email protected]) for inquiries about base camp. A. Boudreau, Parks Canada Parks Boudreau, A. A. Boudreau, Parks Canada Parks Boudreau, A.

First major waterfall along Nakvak Brook North side of Nakvak Brook at start of section 2 (Day 3)

This spectacular but challenging Nakvak Brook is a traditional route If you choose the first option (head up This hiking route description is based ROUTE multi-day hike begins at the mouth that has linked Inuit from Nunavik Nakvak Brook, which is a large river), on information collected by Parks of Nakvak Brook (Pitukkik) and (northern Quebec) and Nunatsiavut remember that you will likely not be Canada and Nunavik Parks in July OVERVIEW ascends the river to its headwaters (northern Labrador) for generations – able to cross the river until you are 2010. The entire description follows adjacent to the Quebec/Nunavik first by foot or by dog team and now, two or three days into your hike due to the east/north side of Nakvak Brook border. Numerous variations of the in modern times, by snowmobile. the size (depth and width) of the river. and is divided into three sections. hike are possible, including side So once you choose your route you All visitors are strongly encouraged trips that provide access to scenic You can start this hike either by will be committed to it for a while. You to consult the “General Hiking side valleys or alpine traverses. This being dropped off by speed boat or will quickly discover that caribou trails Information for Torngat Mountains route description will focus on longliner, or flown in by helicopter thread their way upstream through National Park” document (available the main route up Nakvak Brook to the mouth of Nakvak Brook and thickets of alder, shrub birch and here) before planning a hike in the from its mouth in Saglek Fiord. then ascend up either side of the river willow, and easily define walking trails Torngat Mountains. All distances are “straight line” valley. Alternatively you can fly into over more open ground. The caribou distances; actual travel distances the headwaters of Nakvak Brook by trails are tricky to follow as they often will vary depending on your helicopter and hike down to Saglek appear to end abruptly, leaving you to exact travel route. Fiord. Note that you will need to force your way through thick shrubs. register with Nunavik Parks if you However, if you look carefully, often plan on landing an aircraft in Parc you will find that the trail has just national Kuururjuaq. turned right or left and can still be followed. M. Arnold M. A. Boudreau, Parks Canada Parks Boudreau, A.

Nakvak Brook inukshuk One of several short climbs near the mouth of Nakvak Brook

Route Description The route begins with a series of gravel the bond between generations. It is Turning north, you can see the valley Section 1 This section takes about two days to terraces cut by small intermittent a place that has gained significance laid out before you. It is wide and Mouth of nakvak brook complete. It is important to begin your mountain streams. Vegetation is quite for youth and Elders, who recognize relatively flat. Despite the fact that (pitukkik) to river crossing hike as early in the day as possible sparse on the gravel flats, but can the importance of passing on Inuit you are travelling upstream, the slope be thick in the deep stream gullies Knowledge and connecting Inuit youth is barely detectable. For the next day 20V 482855 E 6484218 N to to give you time to get as far inland from the coast for your first camp site, that cut the gravel terrace. You will to their culture and their land. The and a half you will travel over a mix 20V 468594 E 6500706 N which will reduce the likelihood of climb in and out of these gullies for inukshuk was commemorated in 2009 of gravel terraces, grassy meadows Approximately 26 kilometres polar bear encounters. Black bears, the first couple of hours of your hike by the Torngat Mountains National and a mix of birch, willow and alder however, are found throughout the and slowly gain the crest of a large Park Cooperative Management Board. thickets. The valley will begin to curve valley and will require you to remain old landslide about 2.8 km from the Take time to reflect on the significance to the west and a series of high lateral vigilant at all times and manage your start of the hike. Once you have gained of this place. Imagine Elders moraines and old river terraces begin campsites and waste appropriately the crest of the ridge you will have a surrounded by youth, recounting to dominate the sides of the valley. A (refer to Managing Waste section of beautiful view up the valley as well stories of the past, while children spectacular water fall can be seen at the General Hiking Information for as back to Saglek Fiord. If you are laugh and play. Caribou amble by, 20V 476481 E 6498853 N, which is Torngat Mountains National Park on the west side of the river you will black bears forage on the slopes and approximately 17 km into the hike. document – available here). see a large inukshuk on a prominent hawks, owls and falcons soar over Take time to wander down and have a mound. This site is a special place head. The land is alive and Inuit are closer look at the falls – this could be a that signifies the connection between an integral part of its rhythms. good lunch spot for your second day. Nunavik Inuit and Nunatsiavut Inuit and represents Once you leave the falls you will pick your way through low birch scrub and wet grassy meadows until you gain the lateral ridge once again. Follow the ridge until you find yourself above open gravel flats and then drop down to the valley bottom. For the remainder of day 2 you can easily follow the river’s edge. At KM 26 or 27 (20V 468594 E 6500706 N) you will have a challenging river crossing. It is best to plan your crossing in the lower braided sections of the stream where it breaks into 2 or 3 channels. Higher upstream, the brook is fast- flowing and steep – too dangerous for crossing.

Remember that the amount of water in the river will vary depending upon the time of year and the amount of recent rainfall. The water is cold and the boulders are big. You would be advised to carry sandals, and if you do not like cold water, bring neoprene booties also. Trekking poles and a rope are also very useful. A. Boudreau, Parks Canada Parks Boudreau, A. A. Boudreau, Parks Canada Parks Boudreau, A. A. Boudreau, Parks Canada Parks Boudreau, A.

Looking east on Day 3 from the north side of Nakvak Brook Hikers heading towards flat terrain along the north edge of Nakvak Lake

Route Description Section 2 This section is the hardest section of If you do choose to hike on the south Pick your way carefully, and look up or downstream for crossing. In River Crossing the hike. The description that follows side of Nakvak Brook for this section closely for old caribou trails that link early summer, snow bridges may still to Nakvak Lake is based on the trip log of Parks of the hike, it is recommended that bare patches of rock, tundra and persist. Take great care when crossing you cross back over to the north side meadows. Even though the trails are these snow bridges and make sure 20V 468594 E 6500706 N to Canada and Nunavik Parks staff who hiked the north side of the Nakvak of the brook below the waterfall and overgrown, it is still easier to wade they are more than thick enough to 20V 457471 E 6501073 N Brook during this part of the hike. ascend the vegetated slopes to a low through the birch covering the trails support you. Cross one person at a Approximately 14 kilometres However, based on their experience, it hill just north of Nakvak Lake. This than to force your way through the time and use a rope if you have one. may actually be easier and shorter to option allows access to the north side thickets. Patience is the key to this cross Nakvak Brook (at KM 26 or 27) of the lake which is the best shoreline day. Depending upon your tenacity, Just below the outflow of Nakvak Lake and follow the south side of the river to hike along. you could make it to Nakvak Lake for there is a spectacular series of rapids for this portion of the hike. However, camp 3 (20V 457471 E 6501073 N) in and waterfalls which are well worth there will be a steep rocky climb to get As mentioned in the previous one day. the side trip. If you are lucky you may up to Nakvak Lake at the end of this paragraph, this route description see golden eagle or rough legged hawk section if you remain on the south side follows the south-facing slopes on the Caution is required when crossing nests. Short-eared owls have also been until you reach the lake. It may also north side of Nakvak Brook, which creeks flowing in from the north (if seen here hunting for lemmings in the be difficult to cross the river above are heavily vegetated with dwarf birch you choose to hike along the north evening. Short-eared owls are listed as the waterfall, which is located at the intermixed with alder and willow in side of Nakvak Brook for this portion a species at risk and sightings in the eastern tip of Nakvak Lake. the wetter areas around streams. of the hike). Some of these creeks are park are rare. deeply cut canyons that are dangerous to descend. You will need to find suitable locations either A. Boudreau, Parks Canada Parks Boudreau, A. A. Boudreau, Parks Canada Parks Boudreau, A.

View looking west near the NL/QC border Sheltered campsite in the upper Nakvak Brook valley

Route Description Section 3 This section features some of strong in this section of the hike, so areas – otherwise, be prepared for The remainder of the hike to the Nakvak Lake the easiest hiking in the Torngat be prepared for strong headwinds multiple stream crossings. Beyond border (approx 15 km) is a mix of to Nunavik Border Mountains. It starts with an enjoyable and select your campsites carefully. the marsh the ground is flat, hard, hard dry tundra flats, and some Find a sheltered spot that allows some dry tundra which would be suitable braided-stream wetlands, with one 20V 457471 E 6501073 N to hike along the north shore of Nakvak Lake. You can either walk along the protection from the wind, as shown in to land a Twin Otter on (20V 446103 more small canyon to cross. Once you 20V 435287 6497533 N beach or pop up onto the tundra and the picture above to the right. E 6499527 N). Hiking is fast and easy reach the border you are in Nunavik/ Approximately 28 kilometres follow caribou trails on the bank above over this terrain. To the north, there Québec – where there is a one hour the beach. Winds can be quite Immediately west of the lake, the is a high cliff face. Look carefully; time difference (one hour earlier) – river braids into low-lying marsh. there is a peregrine falcon nest on this and Parc national Kuururjuaq. If you This section can be quite wet for the cliff. If you are lucky you may see one plan to continue your hike beyond this next 4 kilometres. It is best to hike hunting for small birds or mammals. point, you must register with Nunavik along the side of the valley to avoid Parks beforehand (1-819-964-2961 the wetter extension 2411). Important UTM Coordinates

Landing sites for Twin Otter in the area:

Koroc River Airstrip 20V 466085 E 6514837 N

Suggested campsites: The following are suggested campsites based on expected travel distances for each day starting at the mouth of Nakvak Brook. KM 13 – Along Nakvak Brook 20V 478991 E 6496293 N

KM 26 – Along the north edge of 20V 468145 E 6500807 N Nakvak Brook KM 41 – Near east end of Nackvak Lake 20V 457863 E 6501948 N

KM 57 – Near a rock ridge that sticks out 20V 444521 E 6498642 N into the valley from the north KM 68 – Near Quebec/Nunavik border 20V 435479 E 6497266 N

Points of interest:

KM 3 – Inukshuk on west side of the valley 20V 481194 E 6486540 N

KM 17 – First waterfall 20V 476481 E 6498853 N

KM 30 – First canyon / water crossing 20V 465588 E 6502918 N

KM 30 – Second canyon / water crossing 20V 465329 E 6503194 N

KM 33 – Third canyon / water crossing 20V 462030 E 6504617 N

KM 38 – Second waterfall 20V 457848 E 6501018 N

KM 52 – Cliff face with peregrine falcon nest 20V 446103 E 6499527 N

KM 65 – Canyon / water crossing 20V 438376 E 6497834 N

KM 66 – Spruce trees 20V 436738 E 6497866 N

M. Boulianne M. KM 68 – Nunavik border 20V 435258 E 6497533 N

Links: Torngat Mountains National Park website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/nl/torngats/index.aspx

Torngat Mountains Base Camp and Research Station: http://www.torngatbasecamp.com/home/